Are you headed for a getaway in Mexico in Puerto Vallarta? If so, make the most of every day in this amazing hometown. Puerto Vallarta is home to several important monuments with a rich history worth visiting. We recommend that visitors to Puerto Vallarta should check out these 3 not to miss spots. Conveniently located in the downtown area near the Puerto Vallarta Malecon, you can even hit all three places in one day if you are up for it. Read below to learn more about the Puerto Vallarta Naval History Museum, La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, and the lesser-known Rio Cuale Museum. Make a fun day of it and enjoy three of the best historical spots in Puerto Vallarta on your getaway to Mexico.

Puerto Vallarta Naval Historical Museum

Many years ago, Puerto Vallarta was a popular stopping point for pirate and smuggler ships. Today, the Puerto Vallarta Naval Historical Museum contains five rooms filled with paintings, photography, and various historical documents and maps relating to naval activity in Banderas Bay. The colonial-style building was formerly a Naval Clinic, too. Today, the Naval Museum allows visitors to learn about the history of the development of Puerto Vallarta and its connection to the sea. Visitors to the Museum will be guided by real naval cadets as they peruse historical gadgets including compasses, port models, forts and new and old sea vessels. For a real-life seafaring experience, visitors can even try out the special five-screen navigation simulator. The simulator allows guests to experience a sense of how it feels to maneuver a large vessel through various ocean conditions using navigation charts and instruments. Open all year round, the museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday during the hours of 10 am to 5 pm. General admission only costs 45 pesos, and children and senior citizens can enter free of charge.

Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Just a few steps from the Naval Museum, La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, known as the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in English, is probably the most iconic structure in Puerto Vallarta. The beautiful church is an iconic standout among downtown Puerto Vallarta’s beautiful skyline. The church reaches a tourism peak during December in the first twelve days of the month during the “Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival” that takes place from Dec. 1st through Dec. 12th. Visitors on a getaway to Mexico in Puerto Vallarta should take the time to walk inside this charming and historic building. Make sure to pay attention to the intricately carved wooden confessionals, marble altar and the image of the Virgin Guadalupe which was created by artist Ignacio Ramirez. Also, the most distinguishing feature of the church is its crown, which can be seen from miles away. The impressive structure was sculpted by Carlos Terres after the initial one was destroyed in an earthquake. The Church is open all year round and there is no entry fee.

Rio Cuale Museum

Next, the Rio Cuale Museum is a lesser-known tourist attraction in town that visitors on a getaway to Mexico in Puerto Vallarta should visit. The Rio Cuale Museum was organized by the National Institute of Anthropology and History and is located between Old Town and downtown Puerto Vallarta right off the Rio Cuale River. There, guests can get to know the rich history of Mexico and specifically learn more about the Purepecha. The Purépecha, or Tarascans, are a group of indigenous people that were based in the northwestern region of Michoacán, Mexico. Subsequently, inside the museum, you will find a permanent art and ceramic exhibition, as well as hunting and gathering tools and grave tools that were uncovered during excavations in various locations in Jalisco, Nayarit, Guerrero, and Michoacán. The exhibition contains information about the traditions and culture of the region inhabitants that lived in the area during the pre-Hispanic period between 5000 and 2000 B.C. In addition, there is also a small naval exhibition on display as well. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday between the hours of 10 am to 7 pm, and there is no admission fee.

Puerto Vallarta is an ideal destination for a great getaway to Mexico thanks to the endless amount of interesting activities, cultural events, and sights to see. Make a day of it and try to visit these 3 top historic sites in Puerto Vallarta.